In this article, we’ll explore some of the best Primary Places of Assignment (PPA) in Nasarawa State. Whether you’re a serving Corper or a prospective corps member seeking information on the top places for assignment in Nasarawa State, this article is tailored for you.
While our main focus is to provide a list of the best PPAs in Nasarawa State, we’ll also delve into other aspects of the state, including its history, location, geography, climate, local government areas, and more. This additional information aims to help prospective corps members gain a comprehensive understanding of the state and its surroundings.
About Nasarawa State
Nasarawa State, situated in the North Central region of Nigeria, stands out as an excellent State for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, offering some of the best Places of Primary Assignment (PPA). Bordered by Taraba and Plateau to the east, Kaduna to the north, Benue and Kogi to the south, and the Federal Capital Territory to the west, Nasarawa State was established on October 1, 1996, carved out of the western part of Plateau State.
With its capital in Lafia, located in the eastern part of the state, Nasarawa boasts thirteen local government areas. Notably, the Karu Urban Area, bordering the Federal Capital Territory, serves as a key economic hub for the state. Nasarawa is the fifteenth largest state in Nigeria, encompassing the tropical Guinean forest–savanna mosaic ecoregion. The state’s population, estimated at 2.5 million in 2016, positions it as the second least populous among Nigeria’s 36 states.
Geographically, the River Benue shapes much of Nasarawa State’s southern boundaries, while the northeastern region holds a portion of the Jos Plateau.
Nasarawa State boasts a rich tapestry of cultural diversity, being home to numerous ethnic groups. In the northwest, communities like the Koro and Yeskwa thrive, while the far northeast is inhabited by the Kofyar. The north hosts the Eggon, Gwandara, Mada, Buh, Ninzo, Nungu, and others, with the east being home to the Alago, Goemai, Megili, and more. The south is marked by the presence of the Eloyi (Ajiri/Afo), the southeast by the Tiv, the southwest by the Idoma, and the west by the Gade and Gbagyi. Throughout the state, the Hausa and Fulani communities contribute to its ethnic mosaic. Religiously, Nasarawa is a melting pot, with approximately 61% of the population practicing Islam and the remaining 39% adhering to Christianity or traditional ethnic religions.
In the pre-colonial era, the region that now constitutes Nasarawa State was divided among various states, ranging from tiny village-based entities to larger empires. The Fulani jihad in the early 1800s brought the area under the influence of the Sokoto Caliphate, with Keffi, Lafia, and Nassarawa serving as vassal states. British expeditions in the 1890s and 1900s resulted in the occupation of the territory and its incorporation into the Northern Nigeria Protectorate. This protectorate eventually merged into British Nigeria in 1914, gaining independence in 1960. Originally part of the post-independence Northern Region, Nasarawa State became a segment of the Benue-Plateau State in 1967. Following the split of Benue-Plateau in 1976, the area became part of the new Plateau State until the formation of Nasarawa State in 1996, when the western portion of Plateau was carved out.
Economy
Economically, Nasarawa State revolves prominently around agriculture, focusing on the cultivation of sesame, soybeans, groundnut, millet, maize, and yam crops. The state’s agricultural landscape serves as a significant contributor to its economic vitality. Additionally, Nasarawa State engages in livestock herding and ranching, particularly for cattle, goats, and sheep. Urban areas play a pivotal role in service industries, contributing to the state’s economic diversity.
Despite its economic activities, Nasarawa State has faced challenges, notably a history of violence, particularly the ongoing conflict between herders and farmers, primarily centered on land rights. This conflict has posed significant social and economic repercussions for the region. Despite these challenges, Nasarawa maintains the nineteenth highest Human Development Index in Nigeria, underscoring its resilience and development efforts. The state is home to numerous institutions of tertiary education, highlighting its commitment to fostering intellectual growth and development.
Agriculture remains Nasarawa State’s economic backbone, with a focus on cash crops throughout the year. The region also boasts various mineral resources, including salt, baryte, and bauxite, often extracted by artisanal miners. The diverse mineral wealth includes coal, dolomite/marble, sapphire, talc, quartz, tantalite, tourmaline, mica, chalcopyrite, clay, cassiterite, iron-ore, columbite, galena, and feldspar. This mineral wealth contributes to the state’s economic potential and underscores its significance in the broader Nigerian economic landscape.
Climate
Nasarawa State features a Tropical wet and dry or savanna climate, characterized by a yearly temperature of 29.39°C (84.9°F), slightly lower than Nigeria’s averages. The region receives approximately 136.71 millimeters (5.38 inches) of precipitation annually, with 155.37 rainy days, accounting for 42.57% of the year.
The climate in Nasarawa is marked by a hot and humid dry season with partial cloud cover prevailing throughout the year. The wet season, on the other hand, is characterized by oppressive conditions and overcast skies. The average annual temperature ranges between 63 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit, with rare deviations below 57 or above 101.
The hot season spans from January 29 to April 14, lasting for 2.5 months, with an average daily high temperature exceeding 93°F. March stands out as the hottest month, featuring an average high temperature of 95°F and a low of 74°F. The cool season, lasting 3.7 months from June 22 to October 13, brings relief with an average daily maximum temperature of less than 85°F. December is Nasarawa’s coldest month, experiencing average lows of 64°F and highs of 89°F.
Boundaries
Understanding the boundaries of Nasarawa State is crucial for youth Corpers considering or currently serving in the state. Nasarawa State shares its northern border with Kaduna State, spanning a length of 169 km (105 miles). To the east, it is bordered by Taraba for 109 km and Plateau for 219 km (136 miles). The southern boundaries are defined by the states of Benue, extending across the Benue River for 231 km, and Kogi, also across the Benue River, covering a distance of 83 km. In the western direction, Nasarawa State shares borders with Kogi for 68 km and the Federal Capital Territory for 156 km.
Local Government Areas
Nasarawa State is divided into 13 Local Government Areas (LGAs), and having knowledge of these areas is essential for Corpers, especially when considering or engaging in service within the state. The distribution is organized into three senatorial districts.
In the Nasarawa West Senatorial District, the LGAs include Karu, Keffi, Kokona, Nasarawa, and Toto. Moving to the Nasarawa North Senatorial District, it comprises Akwanga, Eggon, and Wamba. The Nasarawa South Senatorial District encompasses Awe, Doma, Keana, Lafia, and Obi.
Best PPA In Nasarawa State (Top List)
In this section, we’ll explore some of the best Places of Primary Assignment (PPAs) in Nasarawa State. These institutions are situated in various local government areas, as mentioned above, in the state. Some of these privately-owned PPAs pay anywhere from N10,000 to N70,000 or more, similar to the public-owned organizations on the list. It’s noteworthy that the Nasarawa State government pays the sum of N5,000 to serving Corpers. Additionally, it’s important to highlight that most PPAs mentioned herein provide accommodation and transportation to and from the PPA for serving Corps members, among other benefits.
Without much ado, let’s delve into a list of some of the highest paying PPAs in Nasarawa.
- Nasarawa Geographic Information Service (NAGIS)
- John Knox College, Karshi
- Government Secondary School, Karu
- College of Agriculture, Science and Technology Lafia
- Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa
- Federal Government College, Keffi
- Government Day Secondary School
- AL-Hilal School of Arabic and Islamic Studies
- Government Secondary School, Lafia East
- Pandagric Novum Ltd.
- Nasarawa State Internal Revenue
- Government House, Lafia
- Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Lafia
- Good Shepherd Academy, Agaza
- Nasarawa State University
- Nasarawa State College of Health Science and Technology, Keffi
- Government Secondary School, Obi
- Excellent Child Private School, Kwamba
- General Hospital, Nasarawa
- Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC)
- NACABS Polytechnic, Akwanga
- Hara Foam and Chemicals Ltd., Masaka Branch
- Ministry of Education
- Ministry of Health
- Ministry of Land and Urban Development
- Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources
- Ministry of Youths and Sports Development
- Ministry of Justice
- Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning
- Ministry of Local Government, Community and Chieftaincy Affairs
- Ministry of Women and Social Development
- Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport
- Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources
- Ministry of Trade, Industries and Investment
- Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism.
- Government Secondary School, Agyaga
- Government Girls Secondary School, Wamba
- Government Secondary School, Musha
It’s important to note that these PPAs in Nasarawa State accept Corps members as of the time of writing this report. However, Corps members should be aware that NYSC may not easily assign you to some of these PPAs. As a Corps member interested in serving in any of these organizations, you should exert more effort and establish the necessary connections to secure acceptance into the organization. It’s one thing to get assigned to a PPA; it’s another to gain acceptance.